The appearance and smell of certain things take people back in time. Cow skin, for example, brings a picture to mind of Bonanza and The High Chaparral. Barns, horses, dust and chores come to mind when people see cowskin rugs. The wild, wild west is alive and mooing today in, of all places, the East. More and more people in all parts of the country are recognizing the virtues and good looks of rugs made from cows. Decorators, savvy homeowners and those staging houses for sale know a cool thing when they see it.
Nature
Cows aren’t raised for their hair, but for their meat and dairy products. The hide is not wasted but made into handsome rugs. Some will have imperfections or even branding marks (now, that’s natural). If consumers are concerned about chemicals, some rugs are tanned with natural oils to prevent cracking and keep the rug soft and supple. Size, color and quality will be different, depending on the cow.
Consumers chose wood floors in their homes to eliminate the allergens and other critters in carpeting. Cowhide rugs are sure to ease those with cold feet on a cold wood floor without the dust-trapping fibers of a carpet. Since the cowhide rug is hypo-allergenic, children, pets and visitors can enjoy its natural beauty with ease.
Durable
Cow skin is thick. During the tanning process, either chromium or natural oils are added to cowskin rugs to keep them soft and supple. If they get wet due to a spill they must be treated immediately. In order to keep the natural oils in the hide, soak up all the liquid possible. If the spill wasn’t too bad, allow the rug to dry then brush out dirt particles in the direction the hair was growing. Keeping the rug clean also insures its longevity because the natural oils won’t be messed up. Remember not to wet the rug and it will last years. Clean with a damp, not wet, sponge and mild soap.
Versatile
The natural backing on the cow skin makes it an excellent stair runner for hardwood floors. Entry ways, halls and bedrooms are excellent places for cowhide rugs or wall tapestries. The rugs even make good covers to snuggle into while reading or watching TV. Protect the dining room table with a cow skin when polishing the crystal or the children have school projects to build. They make great sofa and chair throws, too.
People are searching for green living. What better way than to add classic good looks and charm to the wood floors with natural cowhide rugs? Timeless and classic, cowhide rugs are hypo-allergenic, durable and versatile. They were even manufactured in a green way.